Texts in Conversation
4 Maccabees tells martyrs not to fear death, since the true danger is turning away from God. Matthew shows Jesus using similar words, saying people should not fear those who can kill the body but only God, who judges the whole person.
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2500 BCE
1000+ CE
4 Maccabees 13:13
Pseudepigrapha, Wisdom and Poetry
12 Another said, “Remember of what stock you are;” and by the hand of our father Isaac endured to be slain for the sake of piety. 13 One and all, looking at each other serene and confident, said, “Let’s sacrifice with all our heart our souls to God who gave them, and employ our bodies for the keeping of the law. 14 Let’s not fear him who thinks he kills; 15 for great is the trial of soul and danger of eternal torment laid up for those who transgress the commandment of God. 16 Let’s arm ourselves, therefore, in the self-control, which is divine reasoning. 17 If we suffer like this, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob will receive us, and all the fathers will commend us.
Matthew 10:28
New Testament
26 “Do not be afraid of them, for nothing is hidden that will not be revealed, and nothing is secret that will not be made known. 27 What I say to you in the dark, tell in the light, and what is whispered in your ear, proclaim from the housetops. 28 Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Instead, fear the one who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. 29 Aren’t two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them falls to the ground apart from your Father’s will. 30 Even all the hairs on your head are numbered. 31 So do not be afraid; you are more valuable than many sparrows.
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Notes and References
"... Grundeken observes that Hermas teaches no death or resurrection of Jesus; according to Hermas, Jesus neither died nor was he resurrected, rather, his flesh was imperishable. Neither are the faithful resurrected according to Hermas; like Jesus, they continue to live forever. Now, the synoptic pericope in which Jesus is depicted as proving the doctrine of the resurrection by referring to the three patriarchs who live to God is particularly congruent with Hermas, since this Jesus tradition actually demonstrates an uninterrupted life with God rather than any popular conception of eschatological physical resurrection. Relevant is also 4 Maccabees 13:14‐15: “Let us not fear him who thinks he is killing us, for great is the struggle of the soul and the danger of eternal torment lying before those who transgress the commandment of God.” Compare the Shepherd of Hermas Mandates 12.6.3, which I have previously cited less completely to emphasize its connection with Leviticus 18:5: “Hear me therefore, and fear Him, Who is able to do all things, to save and to destroy, and observe these commandments, and ye shall live unto God,” which brings to mind Jesus’ teaching pertaining to persecution and martyrdom in Matthew 10:28, “Do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul; rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell.” ..."
Zinner, Samuel
Shepherd of Hermas Mandate 12: Allusions to Deuteronomy 30 and Leviticus 18:5: A Short Note
(pp. 1-15) University of Nebraska Lincoln, 2017
* The use of references are not endorsements of their contents. Please read the entirety of the provided reference(s) to understand the author's full intentions regarding the use of these texts.
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